What the pundits think

The verdict?

Chelsea reporter Oliver Harbord is currently in China for Chelsea’s pre-season tour, but this is what he makes of the Morata signing.

It might just be fate with how Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata have ended up.

Just a few weeks ago Lukaku was a dead cert to join the Blues, while Morata was looking for a move to United. But now the Belgian is in the red and the Spaniard will be wearing Blue next season, which is certainly the way that Antonio Conte would have liked it to turn out.

It seemed to be the case that Lukaku was more of a Michael Emenalo signing, while Conte was more interested in getting the Real Madrid player to Stamford Bridge. The Italian has had his way, but now it’s about what he can do with him ahead of the new season. Morata is used to being the substitute, but now he has the chance to be the number one forward and lead the line.

At 24, now is the time for him to prove himself as the main striker and he will not get a better chance that teaming up with Conte, who fully believes in his abilities.

The formation may change, but with so much success with a 3-4-3 Conte might be reluctant to, only pre-season may give us an inkling into which way he is thinking.

But one thing is for sure, Conte is happy, most Blues fans are happy - and Diego Costa is probably very happy that he could well open the door for his expected exit.

Tricky one...

19:12

Morata to join Chelsea's pre-season tour?

(Image: Chelsea Football Club)

Chelsea have set off for the pre-season tour of China. Summer signings Antonio Rudiger and Tiemoue Bakayoko were not included among the squad members pictured arriving at Heathrow Airport, so it’s unlikely that Morata will complete his move in time to go.

Fan reaction

Harbord's verdict

The fee

According to various sources, the fee for Morata is expected to be in the region of £70million, meaning Chelsea will break their transfer record for the striker.

18:51

Real Madrid have posted a statement

The club wishes to express its thanks for the dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct displayed by the player over the years, spanning his time in our academy right through to his spell as a member of the first-team squad.